There’s never been a better time to start working out than now, and I mean right now. With much of the world practicing social distancing, gyms have become ghost towns, meaning more and more individuals are looking for fun and fulfilling ways to incorporate daily exercise into their home routines.
Breaking up your day with some exercise is not only good for your mind and body but also a surefire way to boost those inner endorphins, which will have you feeling better than ever. For many, working from home has become their new reality, but it comes with a few perks, especially if you’re craving a sweat sesh.
Setting up a space within your home to work out doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, you can do it without even breaking a sweat!
At-Home Workouts for Every Fitness Level
Here are a few key tools you’ll want to consider before you get started. To keep things simple, we’ve categorized our list based on your experience level. Take a look below!
Beginner’s At-Home Workout
No equipment required! That’s right, there’s no need to stress about getting all the right stuff to set you up for success. These three things will give you a great workout:
1. An internet connection
Got Wi-Fi? Then you’ve got a fitness instructor literally at your fingertips. With just a few clicks and one or two quick online searches, you’ve got yourself the perfect at-home gym setup. You can easily stream workout videos on any of your devices: phone, laptop, tablet, etc. If you really want to have some fun, make it a virtual gym class by inviting friends or family to join you while on video call.
2. Stretching
It’s one of the simplest forms of exercise and can be done anywhere, like your bedroom, living room, or kitchen. Stretching is a great way to relieve built–up tension in your muscles, especially after a stressful work–from–home day. Set aside pockets of time throughout your day to stretch, catering each move to your body’s capabilities. There are no onlookers when you’re at home, either (another great perk).
3. Situps, pushups, and jumping jacks
These simple exercises don’t require any equipment whatsoever, just your body. Set a goal for how many reps and sets you want to achieve, and go for it.
Intermediate At-Home Workout
If you’re like me, then you have to break a sweat in order to feel like you’re actually working out. I know that’s not the case for everyone because exercise doesn’t always equate to sweat. However, if you’re interested in a slightly more demanding workout than the beginner options listed above, here’s what we suggest:
1. A jump–rope
It may sound simple, but jumping rope can burn about 10 calories a minute while simultaneously strengthening your legs, buttocks, shoulders, and arms. If you incorporate two 10–minute sessions, you can easily burn over 200 calories. Whew! I’m dripping in sweat just thinking about that!
2. An exercise ball
This is one of the best ways to work your core, and they’re incredibly versatile. You can do a wide range of exercises with a ball, such as squats, crunches, and planks, making them a great investment.
3. Resistance bands
Not only are they relatively inexpensive, but they also offer immense flexibility (no pun intended). Resistance bands add variety to your workouts, and their compact size makes them easy to store at home. Offering a total–body workout, resistance bands are most ideal for strength training.
Advanced At-Home Workout
Intense workouts typically require equipment to support muscle growth and strength training. We’ve compiled a list of items that won’t break the bank (or your bones as you try to move them around your home). You can use these pieces of equipment in your garage, spare bedroom, or home office.
1. Kettlebells
These weights aren’t for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for something to enhance your already intense workout regimen, then these are for you. Kettlebells support strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance.
2. A foam roller
This nifty tool will help if you’re enduring intense workouts on a regular basis. Foam rollers can yield incredible results, especially for those suffering from muscle knots and tension from trigger points. Using them is kind of like getting a deep-tissue massage, only without the massage therapist breathing over you for a 90–minute session. Offered in a wide variety of sizes, densities, and textures, be sure to get one that suits your body’s specific needs.
3. A pullup bar
This great tool is especially conducive to home workouts. You can easily set one up in any door frame, which gives you endless ways to break the world record for most pullups done at home. (OK, I just made that category up, but it sounds cool, right?) Whether you’re attempting to break that made-up record or not, a pullup bar is an inexpensive, portable, and effective tool to add to your advanced workout routine.
Home is where the heart is, so use this time at home to take care of yours. Exercise, no matter how advanced or not advanced, is one step closer to a healthier version of you. That’s something to celebrate!
Here’s one last tip for all of you: Make the most of your home workouts. Honor the sanctuary you live in and the space that grants you the ability to focus on your health every single day. Embrace the community of people around you — near or far, virtual or face to face — who are choosing to put their self-care first. Join the IsaBody Challenge®, and watch yourself and others transform the way they work out, live, eat, and most importantly, inspire their friends and family to do the same.
You should consult your physician or other healthcare professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for you. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or healthcare provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath at any time while exercising, you should stop immediately and seek appropriate medical care, if needed.
